VITALITY OF STUDY ROSS SMITH 070716
2 Timothy 2:15 STUDY and be EAGER and do your UTMOST to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, CORRECTLY ANALYSING AND ACCURATELY DIVIDING [RIGHTLY HANDLING AND SKILFULLY TEACHING] THE WORD OF TRUTH.
Part of the motivation for looking into this subject is the warning issued by the Prophet Amos when he penned the words:-
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord God, when I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, BUT [A FAMINE] FOR HEARING THE WORDS OF THE LORD.
IF WE ARE NOT IN THE WORD, THE WORD WILL NOT BE IN US
The principle and need of “STUDY” of which we are well aware, has created some discussion and distress amongst many folk, some saying that they are not able to study, others that study is too onerous for them, others that they don’t have time, others that they don’t need to study, some that they prefer to do other things, and in light of the instructions of scripture, there are no excuses that hold water.
But we need to go even further in this instruction, and the Amplified Bible comes to our assistance and broadens the intention so that it becomes unavoidable.
STUDY
A Dictionary Definition — “Consider in detail, and subject to an analysis, in order to discover essential features or meaning; think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes; applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject (especially by reading); a state of deep mental absorption.”
I would like to expand upon this area because we sometimes fail to properly identify the PROCESS, even with the dictionary explanations. But before we get to “study,” we need to see what is the lead up, and that’s where Mark 4 comes to our assistance.
Mark 4:24 And He said to them, BE CAREFUL what you are hearing. THE MEASURE [OF THOUGHT AND STUDY] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you–and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
Scriptural study involves research, but scriptural study is not just research. Study has to include revelation, which is not necessarily some world shattering insight but the opening and understanding of scripture previously obscure or unclear in its meaning or potential.
Notice that before we get to “STUDY” as set out in Mark 4, there is the process of “CAREFUL THOUGHT.” This is where we engage in contemplation and meditation, where the matter under consideration is revolving in our minds in a constant manner, and using the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Some folk have the misconception that the “THOUGHT” part, that it is just the theme or topic or subject for the study, but no, that is simply an “IDEA”, a “seed.” The “THOUGHT” requires much more revolving mentally, contemplating and meditating so that the “IDEA” becomes a “THOUGHT”.
But more than that, an “IDEA” needs to be committed to paper, because we are so inclined to forget what the “IDEA” was, and the prompts that brought us to that point are lost or obscured by our other commitments. You no doubt have experienced when some idea has dropped into your mind, maybe in the middle of the night, or in the midst of a task, only to forget what it was when you wanted to think about it because you had not written it down.
Even more than that, as we maintain the “THOUGHT” we will then often find that as we proceed throughout the day, there are other components of the thought that arise in our mind, and they then also need to be recorded on paper. Even further, when we have been contemplating and meditating, then we often will find that during the night hours we will have further expansion of the subject.
Back in Old Testament times this principle was inculcated to the people when Joshua said:-
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, that you may OBSERVE AND DO according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.
There is a component of this verse that we tend to overlook and that is, not only “OBSERVE” but then we have to “DO.” Out of the “DOING” will emerge the “virtue” that is promised in Mark 4:24
People may seek to be excused because they have a job which requires all their mental agility, and that is understood, but we are not just limited to our ability to think laterally, or outside of the box, but it is our spirit that is in tune with His spirit, and out of that union we capture the truth. If that was not the case the Word would have been irrelevant in suggesting that we meditate day and night.
Mark said that it is the “MEASURE” of “THOUGHT”, which further expands on the principle that an “IDEA” is just a seed, while THOUGHT IS THE GERMINATION, THE GROWTH AND MATURITY. How often have you been pondering some idea or aspect of a matter when suddenly there comes in a flood of information that is so very pertinent.
Whilst there is some legitimacy to the debate on how much time is spent, or not spent, in study, I think the “MEASURE” referred to here in Mark 4 is not confined to “time” but to “MEDITATION,” for it is meditation that leads to ministry, not “time.” It is the germinating of the thought that is the parallel of the natural seed, which has to be planted, then watered, then illuminated, and suddenly the life of the seed becomes obvious. But we still have to put in the “TIME”, and often this requires that we forgo “I, My, Me, Mine, Want, Wish, Wallow”
IT IS NOT THE DURATION OF THE STUDY THAT IS IMPORTANT BUT THE RESULT OF THE STUDY.
DURATION IS OFTEN REQUIRED, BUT INTENSITY IS THE GREATER ATTRIBUTE, THAT IS, THE “MEASURE OF THOUGHT”
MEDITATION means “Continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature, contemplation of spiritual matters.” MEDITATION IS MEANT TO BE MEMORABLE
Psalm 104:34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord.
Psalm 63:6 When I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches.
One of the signs of real sincerity is when we begin to find pleasure and enjoy thinking about God, when our thoughts, instead of being unpleasant , become pleasant, when we no longer revert to our circumstances, and we harbour an ardent desire to cherish the thought of God, and to know more of Him.
Psalm 119:127 THEREFORE (Go to the previous verse to see why there is the “THEREFORE .. comments mine) I love Your commandments more than [resplendent] gold, yes, more than [perfectly] refined gold.
Meditation is the reflective dwelling or pondering of the mind upon a great fact, a scripturally sound fact, till that fact has time to get into our mind and spirit and saturate it with the influence an intention of the Word until it becomes a reality. Meditation is the quiet thinking on spiritual matters, the steady focus of contemplative thought diverting our attention away from other things and concentrated on the truth we see, and that alone.”
This is the fulfilment of what John said in:-
John 14:26 But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, HE SHALL TEACH YOU all things, AND BRING TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE all that I said unto you.
Again there are two aspects in this scripture that contain vital promises, firstly HE WILL TEACH US, and any learning experience brought to us by the Holy Spirit is to be cherished, remembered and acted upon. Secondly HE WILL BRING THINGS TO OUR REMEMBRANCE.
The first aspect is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which, when properly meditated upon, is manifest then in the sharing of that truth as the fire and hammer” of the Word, not some academic analysis as a result of research, but “ALIVE AND ACTIVE” (Hebrews 4:12)
Secondly, the “REMEMBRANCE” cannot occur unless the truth has been stored up in our heart, and the Psalmist covered this in his profound descriptions of Psalm 119
Psalm 119:11 Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
MEMORY IS REPETITION AND REINFORCEMENT
Notice how the memory component in the graph improves from left to right with repetition. It is not just a technique, but a repeating and reinforcing the information you want to retain in long-term memory is a necessity. Practice, practice, practice is the best way to solidify data you need to keep in your memory and retrieve when needed, just like the Psalmist said.
STUDY
This instruction is accompanied in 2 Timothy 2:15 by the words, “EAGER and “UTMOST”, which sort of adds some obligation to the way we study. Some folk approach study as an “obligation” that is uncomfortably worn, others resent that they have to set aside time where they could be doing something they want to do, while others find that the study of God’s Word is an absolute delight, and steal every moment available to “THINK AND STUDY” and so they are able to be EAGER and to DO THEIR UTMOST.
The Apostle Paul had some pressures to overcome in his ministry, but he approached it from an angle we may not have considered
1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I [merely] preach the Gospel, that gives me no reason to boast, FOR I FEEL COMPELLED OF NECESSITY TO DO IT. Woe is me if I do not preach the glad tidings (the Gospel)!
If the great Apostle was obedient to the compulsion he felt, and did not try to evade it or dismiss it, then there is a pattern set for us, and Paul said, “imitate me.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) After reading this study I trust you will “FEEL THE NECESSITY TO STUDY.”
WE REQUIRE GODS APPROVAL
2 Timothy 2:16 (ISV) Do your best to present yourself to God as AN APPROVED WORKER who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision.
The result proposed is not the admiration or affection of the congregation, or of one’s superiors, not even success in influencing and winning souls; but that of presenting ourselves to God in such a way as to secure His approval. Some men use the gospel to obtain popular favor rather than the divine approval.
In what form is Gods approval to be shown towards us, and when and if it does, do we recognise it, or do we rather look for plaudits from men? We well know that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6), but there is a character that accompanies that faith evidenced as described by Isaiah.
Isaiah 66:2 For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and Of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands
The heightened awareness or sensitivity to God that attends obedience in our compulsion to study will always be accompanied by a deepening of our humility, because we will begin to understand a little more “GOD’S INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS.”
HEIGHTENED AWARENESS REQUIRES DEEPENED HUMILITY
In simple terms, PLEASING GOD OBTAINS HIS APPROVAL, isn’t that simple? So we revert to the Word to find what pleases God and find a plethora of scripture that points us in the right direction. The first of which I would suggest, is following the instructions prior to this “approval process” and that is “STUDY, BE EAGER, DO YOUR UTMOST”
Romans 14:17 -18 [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (THAT STATE WHICH MAKES A PERSON ACCEPTABLE TO GOD) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. HE WHO SERVES CHRIST IN THIS WAY IS ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO GOD AND IS APPROVED BY MEN.
“EAGER” is an interesting word, in part it means “Having a strong or impatient wish to do something, a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something,” but is completely different to “ANXIOUS.” We are to be “Anxious for nothing” (Mat 6:34) but “EAGER” in all things that pertain to the kingdom. The letter to the Hebrews puts it into day to day language
Hebrews 4:11 (ERV) So let us TRY AS HARD AS WE CAN to enter God’s place of rest. WE MUST TRY HARD so that none of us will be lost by following the example of those who refused to obey God.
“UTMOST” is also very interesting, and means “Of the greatest possible degree, extent or intensity.” What is 2 Timothy speaking about when he uses these two words, it is worth returning to the context as these words, “Eager and Utmost” are the soul mates of “STUDY.”.
2 Timothy 2:15 STUDY and be EAGER and do your UTMOST to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a WORKMAN who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analysing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skilfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
Father hates shoddy workmanship, whether it be in our personal habits, in the home and more particularly when it reflects upon His name when we are sloppy in the workplace where we are on show to the world, and should be presenting a “CONTRAST.” (Ephesians 5:11 AMP) This truth is borne out back in the book of Exodus where Moses had to appoint men to oversee the construction of the Temple, and you will recall that in the book of Exodus the calibre of workmanship was identified.
Exodus 35:30-35 And Moses said to the Israelites, See, the Lord called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship, To devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, In cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, for work in every skilled craft. And God has put in Bezalel’s heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with wisdom of heart and ability to do all manner of craftsmanship, of the engraver, of the skilful workman, of the embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff] and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do or design any skilled work.
If that was the equipping of Old Testament men, and the quality of workmanship demanded of God for the building of the physical temple, how much more is the requirement for us who have been called to be part of “HIS CHURCH”, a building that is not made with hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1) and who have the promised aid of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was quite explicit in regards to proper workmanship, for in Matthew 7 He goes into some length to identify a good tradesman,
- Verse 24 – “A SENSIBLE (PRUDENT, PRACTICAL, WISE) MAN who built his house upon the rock,“ — but then is rather scathing of the sloppy builder,
- Verse 26-27 “And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a STUPID (FOOLISH) MAN who built his house upon the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell–and great and complete was the fall of it.
This is the calibre of man that Father is looking for in their exploration and explanation of His Word, not just some shanty build on the beach without the foundational truths first being laid, but a rock strong conviction emanating from plumbing the depths of the Word to unearth those gems and promises that are afforded those who are obedient. (LOOK AT DILIGENCE)
Timothy then gives counsel as to how we should manage our studies giving four areas of concentration:-
- Correctly analysing
- Accurately dividing
- Rightly handling
- Skilfully teaching
CORRECTLY ANALYSING
The first area “CORRECTLY ANALYSING” implies that we have to search the scriptures to reinforce the object of our study from all the resources of the entire bible. There are so any spurious doctrines and interpretations abounding today, and so many naive people, that the influence of improper interpretation of God’s Word causes shipwreck.
It is necessary reading of 2 Timothy 3:1-9 which describes in some detail the conditions and events that attend where there is a lack of attention and detail to the truth, where there is “INCORRECT ANALYSIS” and it is the duty of every believer to refute and deny those spurious teachings that are intended to mislead.
The skill of “ANALYSIS” must become an instrument of continuous application in our studies, but the instruction also carries a warning, it has to be “CORRECTLY analysing.” The responsibility is two way, firstly in the person conducting the study and secondly those who are exposed to the study. The Bereans were astute in this respect, they didn’t just accept everything at face value, they “studied” to find out of it was accurate.
Acts 17:11 Now these [Jews] (from Berea) were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, SEARCHING AND EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY TO SEE IF THESE THINGS WERE SO.
We would probably be greatly disappointed if we attended our local Doctor for blood tests or screening for some malady, and found that he used some inferior laboratory to conduct the analysis, and the results were not “ACCURATE.” Just as this is life threatening so is the failure to “CORRECTLY ANALYSE” THE Word of God.
Let us not be negligent in any way in our study and preparation and also in delivery of those things we find in God’s Word.
ACCURATELY DIVIDING
Both the first two instructions are to ensure the purity of the subject, both to be “CORRECT” and now to be “ACCURATE.” You may recall the study “Living Accurately” and that ACCURACY ACCENTUATES INTEGRITY.
WE CANNOT LIVE ON HEARSAY AND HYPOTHESES, we have to know the truth so that we can live accurately.
Allow me the liberty of listing some of the areas that we need to address in our pursuit of that degree of precision required in our walk
ACCURACY ACCENTUATES INTEGRITY
- AMBIVALENCE CLONES APATHY
- CARELESSNESS CULTIVATES COMPROMISE
- FRUSTRATION FATHERS FAILURE
- LETHARGY LICENCES LAZINESS
- PRECISION PROHIBITS PERJURY
- UNCERTAINTY EQUALS DOUBLE MINDEDNESS
RIGHTLY HANDLING
There is dire penalty for those who would add to or take away from the Word of God, and this is not dissimilar to taking scripture out of context. There is a saying that “A scripture that stands alone will not stand for long”, and that will become more obvious as we adopt the injunction of 2 Timothy 2:15 and apply the principles meticulously in or “foraging for food”.
The Bible says in several places not to add to his words, what it means is that we are not to add our own words to what God gave. Each one is a specific book that was complete that man was not to add or subtract from, if we do we are not “RIGHTLY HANDLING.”
Deuteronomy 4:2 YOU SHALL NOT ADD TO THE WORD WHICH I COMMAND YOU, NEITHER SHALL YOU DIMINISH IT, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Psalm 119:160 THE SUM OF YOUR WORD IS TRUTH [THE TOTAL OF THE FULL MEANING OF ALL YOUR INDIVIDUAL PRECEPTS]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever.
There is the belief in “progressive revelation” and it is that which originates from outside the God’s Word. It is dangerous to teach what is not in Scripture as if it is Scripture? False teachers do not want to submit to the Bibles original intent, so they do not seek what Scripture actually means, instead, they conform it to what they want it to mean.
Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Add not to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar.
If we look at the context it is saying “EVERY WORD OF GOD.” God is directing not to add to his words. Adding does not only mean additional words, but can also mean changing them to mean what they do not. When we add new words as equal to Scripture we are really taking away from Scripture, THE OPPOSITE TO “RIGHTLY HANDLING.”
The work of the Holy Spirit is to have evidence:
- it would elevate the truth,
- exalt Christ,
- oppose Satan,
- point people to the Scriptures, and
- result in love for God and others.
Before we turn to other thoughts, to attain these objectives there is a third requirement, another thing of great import,
SKILFULLY TEACHING
Before we become paranoid about the requirement for “TEACHING”, let me allay your fears. Teaching is much more than standing in front of a lectern and orating for “x” length of time. The most effective form of teaching is by EXAMPLE. It is this form of teaching that our children become upright and responsible citizens,
Matthew 13:52 He said to them, Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].
Whilst we may resile from the suggestion we are “TEACHERS AND INTERPRETERS”, I think we will readily and enthusiastically endorse that we have been “INSTRUCTED AND TRAINED” and that we would like to see ourselves as “DISCIPLES.” As stated, our example is the greatest method of teaching, and the Word uses various behaviour patterns to express the truth of God’s Word.
- Men will know we are His disciples when we love one another (John13:35)
- Our lives will be a contrast (Ephesians 5:11)
- We will imitate God, or at least the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1)
- We will be recognised by our obedience (John 14:15)
- Our attire will be spectacular (Isaiah 61:10)
Daniel 12:4 But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and KNOWLEDGE [OF GOD’S PURPOSES AS REVEALED BY HIS PROPHETS] SHALL BE INCREASED AND BECOME GREAT
Often this scripture is misconstrued, people look at the explosion of scientific and medical knowledge, the abundance of educational programs, the concentration on learning, but miss the truth of this verse. It is not “worldly knowledge” it is KNOWLEDGE [OF GOD’S PURPOSES AS REVEALED BY HIS PROPHETS
Christians will look everywhere but scripture for the answers to their lives, and to who Jesus is. If they believe he is “God” they either aspire to be like him with arrogance and pride, or they say, “He’s God, I can never be like God.” Knowledge is increasing and Father is intimate with those who allow Him to be. He shows Himself to those who, like His son Jesus, listen and obey.
Is there are route that will lead us into this state of obedience to the instructions of 2 Timothy 2:15, well the following verse will set us upon the path to success.
1 Thessalonians 4:11(ASV) and that ye STUDY TO BE QUIET, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;
oOo
Ross Smith 